Are you seeing this error on a or while running a simulation on your development machine?
If the license appears in ALM but is marked with a red/yellow icon, it may be "defective". This often happens if the PC was shut down improperly. You can try to restore defective licenses through Siemens Technical Support. Accidental Simulation Error
proceed to Step 3.
First, check if logging is even active in your project.
in TIA Portal, you can ignore it; the simulation will still function correctly even without the license. current order codes for the latest WinCC Runtime Advanced versions? license key not available wincc logging for runtime advanced
This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding why this happens, how to verify your license, and the exact steps to resolve the issue. 1. Why "License Key Not Available" Occurs
If you are a Siemens WinCC (Windows Control Center) user, specifically working with the version, you have likely encountered the dreaded error message: "License key not available for WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced."
A key source of confusion is that this licensing requirement does not apply to all Siemens HMIs. For hardware panels like SIMATIC Comfort Panels or Multi Panels, basic functions like Logging and Recipes are included and do not need an extra license. However, the rules change for the PC-based WinCC Runtime Advanced, which has a different licensing model.
Drag and drop the license to the target drive (usually C: or D: ) where WinCC Runtime is installed. Step 3: Validate Installation Are you seeing this error on a or
Occasionally, the license storage directory on the Windows operating system becomes corrupted or loses its security permissions.
A user on the Siemens forum described a typical situation: Their WinCC Runtime Advanced HMI worked fine, but a popup with the error appeared every ~5 minutes. This occurred even though they had a valid 512 PowerTags license. The solution was to purchase and transfer the separate license onto the PC, which resolved the popup. This highlights that the logging license is indeed required as an add-on and not included with the base WinCC Runtime Advanced license.
If your WinCC Runtime is running inside a Virtual Machine (VM) and your licenses are hosted on the host PC or a central license server, the VM might be losing network connection to the license manager. Ensure the ALM settings allow remote connection and that port 4410 (the default Siemens ALM port) is open in your firewall. Summary Checklist
How to Fix "License Key Not Available: WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" You can try to restore defective licenses through
In Automation License Manager, target the source drive (the USB stick).
Resolving "License Key Not Available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" Error
Find the original paper or digital document provided by Siemens containing your license key.
One of the most frustrating roadblocks for automation engineers and system integrators working with Siemens WinCC (TIA Portal) is the sudden appearance of the error, specifically when trying to use the WinCC Logging functionality in Runtime Advanced .
Siemens provides a "combined" license that covers both Logging and Recipes if you are using both functionalities in Runtime Advanced.
